Kampala became a meeting point for a fast-growing racquet sport as players from seven countries gathered for the 2026 Uganda Pickleball Open, giving the emerging sport a distinctly international flavour.
Held at the Old Kampala Sports Arena on September 18 and 19, the two-day tournament brought together players from Uganda, Kenya, Canada, India, Tanzania, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The international field competed across five categories including Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles as the Uganda Pickleball Association continues to position the sport for wider growth in the country.
Robert Bakaze, president of the Uganda Pickleball Association, said the turnout was an important moment in the development of the sport locally.
“The Uganda Pickleball Open demonstrated the tremendous potential of this sport in our country. Welcoming players from seven nations was an important milestone for us and reflects the growing interest in pickleball across Uganda and the wider region,” Bakaze said.
On the court, Grivine Pepela claimed the Men’s Singles title, with Balina Raykhan finishing second and Adrian Magandazi taking third.
Madia Namaganda emerged champion in the Women’s Singles, followed by Veronika Nakabira in second and Lisa Amenya in third.
The doubles competitions also produced a mix of established and emerging players. Kabanda Shafick and Mugula James won the Men’s Doubles, while Ntale Latiff and James Mulwana finished runners-up. Aly Allibhai and Believen Green took third.
In the Women’s Doubles, Lisa Amenya and Salisha Chandra secured the title ahead of Madia Namaganda and Veronika Nakabira. Nina Kamukama and Patience Namataka finished third.
Kabanda Shafick and Madia Namaganda completed the tournament with victory in the Mixed Doubles. Stephen Okoth and Lisa Amenya were second, while Grivine Pepela and Salisha Chandra settled for third.
Beyond the medals, the tournament offered the Uganda Pickleball Association an opportunity to expose the sport to a wider audience and create competition between local players and participants with experience from different pickleball communities.
Bakaze congratulated the players and participants, while recognising the sponsors and partners whose support helped stage the tournament.
The association says its next focus is to build on the momentum through organised competitions, player development programmes, community engagement and partnerships designed to introduce pickleball to more Ugandans.
The 2026 Uganda Pickleball Open was supported by Paddelle, Talent Africa Group, 1st Financial Foundations, Pickled Gems, Teuton Sports and UK Pickleball Shop.
